Synthesis and Characterization of ZnO/TiO2 Photocatalyst Decorated with PbS QDs for the Degradation of Aniline Blue Solution

A $ZnO/TiO_2$ photocatalyst decorated with PbS quantum dots (QDs) was synthesized to achieve high photocatalytic efficiency for the decomposition of dye in aqueous media. A $TiO_2$ porous layer, as a precursor photocatalyst, was fabricated using micro-arc oxidation, and exhibited irregular porous cells with anatase and rutile crystalline structures. Then, a ZnO-deposited $TiO_2$ catalyst was fabricated using a zinc acetate solution, and PbS QDs were uniformly deposited on the surface of the $ZnO/TiO_2$ photocatalyst using the successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) technique. For the PbS $QDs/ZnO/TiO_2$ photocatalyst, ZnO and PbS nanoparticles are uniformly precipitated on the $TiO_2$ surface. However, the diameters of the PbS particles were very fine, and their shape and distribution were relatively more homogeneous compared to the ZnO particles on the $TiO_2$ surface. The PbS QDs on the $TiO_2$ surface can induce changes in band gap energy due to the quantum confinement effect. The effective band gap of the PbS QDs was calculated to be 1.43 eV. To evaluate their photocatalytic properties, Aniline blue decomposition tests were performed. The presence of ZnO and PbS nanoparticles on the $TiO_2$ catalysts enhanced photoactivity by improving the absorption of visible light. The PbS $QDs/ZnO/TiO_2$ heterojunction photocatalyst showed a higher Aniline blue decomposition rate and photocatalytic activity, due to the quantum size effect of the PbS nanoparticles, and the more efficient transport of charge carriers.